Kigali, Rwanda, will take center stage from 6–10 October 2025 as the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) hosts the inaugural Festival of Cooling—a groundbreaking event uniting global leaders, innovators, farmers, health experts, and policymakers to explore how cooling can drive sustainable development.

From Luxury to Lifeline

In today’s rapidly warming world, cooling is no longer a comfort—it is a necessity for survival. From keeping food fresh and safe to protecting vaccines and medicines, reliable cold chains are essential to food security, healthcare, and climate resilience.

Yet across Africa, millions of tonnes of food are lost annually due to poor cold storage and transport, while health systems depend on sustainable cooling to deliver life-saving care.

A World-First Gathering

The Festival of Cooling is the first global event dedicated exclusively to sustainable cooling solutions. It will feature cutting-edge innovations in renewable-powered refrigeration, digital monitoring, and cold storage, alongside interactive exhibitions, case studies, and competitions.

Festival Highlights

Day 1 – Farmers & Value Chains: Demonstrations of cold storage and transport technologies that cut food loss and increase farmer incomes.

Day 2 – Health Sector: Innovations safeguarding vaccines, medicines, and blood supplies through strong cold chains.

Day 3 – Schools & Education: Inspiring students and teachers with the science of cooling and pathways to green careers.

Day 4 – Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Startup pitch competitions and showcases of climate-smart business models.

Day 5 – High-Level Stakeholders: Policy dialogues and investment forums connecting cooling to climate action, resilience, and economic growth.

Who Will BeThere?

The Festival will convene farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses
Health professionals and supply chain experts,Students, teachers, and researchers,Startups, innovators, and creatives, Policymakers, investors, and development partners, Private sector leaders and civil society representatives

Voices of Leadership

“Rwanda is very proud to host the ACES here in Rubirizi. This Centre is not only serving our country, but the whole of Africa and beyond. By hosting the Festival of Cooling, we are creating a platform to reimagine cooling as a driver of resilience, opportunity, and sustainable development,” Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment emphasized.

Why Cooling Matters

Food Security: Up to 40% of fruits and vegetables in Rwanda are lost post-harvest without cold storage.

Healthcare: Cold chains safeguard vaccines and medicines, ensuring they remain safe and effective.

Climate Action: By 2050, Africa’s cooling needs will triple—sustainable solutions are vital to avoid a surge in emissions.

Opportunity: Clean cooling creates jobs, fuels entrepreneurship, boosts regional trade, and strengthens resilience.